Abstract
The forest fragmentation is considered to be one of the main processes causing negative effects on biodiversity. Among its effects, it causes changes in the composition and diversity of forest species through the replacement of original species by other adapted for disturbance areas. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of the edge effect over richness and abundance of tree species in an Araucaria Forest fragment in southern Brazil. Data from two plots of 1 hectare each submitted to annual inventories (since 1995) were used. Individuals with diameter at breast height (1.30 m) over 10 cm were measured, and their geographical coordinates were recorded. These individuals were plotted over a grid where the plots were divided into subplots of 10x100 m after the edge. In addition, the edge influence over mortality and ingrowth was assessed. The existence of influence over richness and abundance of tree individuals was observed, mainly in the region up to 30 m from the edge. The edge effect influences mainly the ingrowth in comparison to the mortality, and both plots responded differently to edge effects.Key words: forest fragmentation, Atlantic forest, floristic composition, ecological group, cluster analysis. ResumoEfeito de borda sobre uma comunidade arbórea em um fragmento de Floresta com Araucária no Brasil. A fragmentação das florestas é considerada um dos principais processos que causam efeitos negativos sobre a biodiversidade. Entre eles estão alterações na composição e diversidade de espécies florestais pela substituição de espécies originais por outras adaptadas a áreas de distúrbios. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto do efeito de borda sobre a riqueza e abundância de espécies arbóreas em um fragmento de Floresta com Araucária no sul do Brasil. Foram utilizados dados de duas parcelas de 1 hectare cada, coletados em inventários anuais (desde 1995). Os indivíduos com diâmetro à altura do peito (1,3 m) acima de 10 cm foram medidos, e suas coordenadas espaciais foram coletadas. Os indivíduos foram plotados em um grid de parcelas subdivididas em parcelas de 10x100 m após a borda. Além disso, o efeito de borda sobre o ingresso e mortalidade do indivíduo foi analisado. Também, foi observada a influência da borda sobre a riqueza e abundância de indivíduos, principalmente nos primeiros 30 m após a borda. O efeito de borda influenciou principalmente os ingressos, em comparação com a mortalidade, e as duas parcelas apresentaram diferentes respostas ao efeito de borda.Palavras-chave: fragmentação florestal, Mata Atlântica, composição florestal, grupos ecológicos, Análise de Cluster.
Highlights
The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the 25 hotspots of biodiversity in the world, and one of the greatest centers of species endemism (RIBEIRO et al, 2011; RIBEIRO et al, 2009)
Several studies have pointed the low quantity of remaining fragments of this biome and a major part of them have less than 50 hectares of extension (RIBEIRO et al, 2009)
These fragments are subjected to the negative effects of forest fragmentation and one of great importance is the edge effect
Summary
The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the 25 hotspots of biodiversity in the world, and one of the greatest centers of species endemism (RIBEIRO et al, 2011; RIBEIRO et al, 2009). Several studies have pointed the low quantity of remaining fragments of this biome and a major part of them have less than 50 hectares of extension (RIBEIRO et al, 2009). Over this perspective, these fragments are subjected to the negative effects of forest fragmentation and one of great importance is the edge effect. These fragments are subjected to the negative effects of forest fragmentation and one of great importance is the edge effect This effect is the main threat to the conservation of these forest fragments (NASCIMENTO et al, 2010). It is possible to mention: reduction of relative humidity, rise of temperature, greater
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